Our Team

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Consultations are always FREE. During our first consultation, you will decide whether our services can add value to your event. If so, we will help you decide on a method of event planning.

Marissa Mortimer

Marissa Mortimer, creator and president of Lavish Occasions, is one of the most sought after planners in the New York metro area. Her career began at a young age when she sang professionally for wedding ceremonies. Playing this small role in a couple’s special day as she watched the procession, blessing of the rings, and reading of the vows, she began to see herself in the wedding industry. At 20 years old, Marissa began with planning fundraisers, New Year’s Eve galas and social events. Over the next few years she was commissioned by financial advisers to plan their seminars. Mastering the corporate spectrum, she starting to gather the knowledge of producing an event from start to finish. After building a strong foundation in the field of special events, Marissa incorporated Lavish Occasions, LLC in March of 2005.

As of 2015 and with over 350 events with 100% satisfaction under her belt, Marissa has become a Special Events expert. In 2006 she was named one of the ‘Top Ten Entrepreneurs under 35’ in the New York metropolitan area by Industry magazine. Another achievement was being selected to teach her craft at Wagner College to hopeful Wedding Planners. Since 2007, Marissa has trained hundreds of planners, designers and coordinators. Among her classes are the Certified Wedding and Event Planning, Professional Events Coordination and Preston Bailey’s Signature Wedding and Event Design courses. Marissa credits her own Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Sociology for her calming demeanor, intuition, smarts and good judge of character. Marissa has been a keynote speaker at several event conferences and will begin her own line of educational seminars and events in the Spring of 2015.

Marissa is a talented writer and among her works are articles such as “10 Great Places for your Lavish Occasion” boasting some of the best facilities in the NY/NJ Metro. She has been featured on NJ12, NY1 and is often quoted in the Staten Island Advance for expertise in planning, design and etiquette. She was involved in the planning of Preston Bailey’s Wedding as well as Dina Manzo’s (Real Housewives of New Jersey) launch of her new course “It’s my party and I’ll plan if I want to”. She also planned the weddings of local celebrities ‘Impractical Joker’ Joe and Action 6 anchor Alicia Vitarelli.

Philanthropy has always been a huge part of Marissa’s life and she chooses to donate her time and resources to charities and plan Pro-bono Events. As a planner, she will create one pro-bono wedding per year and plan from beginning to end completely free of charge. She gains her inspiration from travel, nature, fashion, theatre and her family and friends.

“When I was young my grandfather told me that no matter what, you should ‘aim high’ in all that you do, and you would always be successful. Also when deciding what to do with your life, to ask yourself two questions: ‘what do you truly love to do and what would you do for free’? When you have the answer to both questions, you will know that you have made the right choice. That was the best advice I ever received and from the best person I ever knew… and it has brought me great happiness and much success”. Marissa Mortimer

Maureen DeLuca

Maureen DeLuca is Brooklyn born and raised, City cultured and currently residing in Staten Island. Proud mother of two children, now young adults, Maureen has thirty plus years of knowledge and skills creating life events. A true flowering wizard who could not be contained to one location, Maureen also owned a successful florist shop in Westerleigh. Using her mysterious power and charm enchanting floral art that dazzles, it is the personal level that Maureen enjoys most. Inspired by the individuals she works with, Maureen embraces your dream wedding and transitions it into a reality beyond your imagination.

Maureen fine-tuned her craft by becoming certified at Wagner College in Wedding & Event Planning by The Wedding Planning Institute in 2009. Maureen tirelessly donates her exclusive talents to fundraisers and charity events throughout the city year after year, however, her joy and the sparkle in her eyes are from her abundant love of working with Specially Challenged Children, in Staten Island.

Maureen’s interests include museums and art galleries, including little known ‘invitation-only’ private viewings throughout Manhattan. Maureen's affinity for music, night life and dancing keeps her energy and vibe alive in the contemporary as well as the forever classical.

On one of the biggest days of your life - The day You Promise and are Promised to an everlasting love - you deserve to have Maureen to set the details for you both. Free yourselves and allow her to do the minute, painstaking work that will appear effortlessly before your guests. Maureen will become that instant friend, you'll feel as if you've known each other a lifetime.

“We dream and we build - One dream at a time - Your dream. Face to face; together. My goal is realizing YOUR DREAM. I can create an extraordinary time for you and your guests, on any budget, that will be relived over and again by all - for years to come. If you can dream it - I can bring it to life."

Allison Tibieri

Allison always had a passion for planning and coordinating events, especially weddings. She has had the pleasure to work with Marissa Mortimer and Lavish Occasions since June of 2011, which has allowed her to participate in a plethora of wedding events. Allison holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Seton Hall University. In the Fall of 2011, she received her Wedding and Event Planning Certificate under Marissa’s direction at Wagner College.

Lavish Occasions’ attention to detail, commitment to their clients and expertise in the wedding industry has provided Allison with a considerable amount of experience to bring to someone’s special day. She has been able to apply and expand her event coordinating skills through her other profession as Events Coordinator and Catering Manager for a leading B&I food services company in Manhattan.

"One of the greatest joys in my life is to have a job where I am truly happy and at home. I am so grateful to be a part of a team that plays such a big part in a couple's wedding day. Seeing their smiles at the end of their day and knowing we helped create it is an indescribable feeling."

Diane Rozas

Diane's passion for the event industry began at a young age when she would plan birthday parties and gatherings with her mother. "It's in my blood." Prior to becoming a wedding planner, Diane received a dual Masters degree and became a certified teacher in Early Childhood and Special Education. She utilizes her compassion for helping others and creativity to provide her students with a fun and welcoming learning environment. Not enough for Diane, she knew that there was something missing in her life that would define her greatest passions. In 2012, Diane became a Certified Wedding and Event Planner through The Wedding Planning Institute held at Wagner College. She also became a Preston Bailey Certified Wedding and Event Designer in 2014. From intimate affairs to more "Lavish Occasions," Diane is a ‘go to girl’ in making her clients, family and friends’ vision a reality through customized invitations, decor, favors etc. Diane's attention to detail and eye for design, along with drive and determination has brought her to where she is today.

"Seeing a client’s vision come to life on their special day and watching them live it...this is what I love to do. I am honored to be a part of their day."

Tracy Perlongo

As a Graduate of St. John’s University, Tracy earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education and Psychology. Throughout college, Tracy was an active member of Lambda Chi Sorority where she assisted in planning numerous charity and social functions. Working for Morgan Stanley also yielded her the opportunity to organize a large number of corporate events such as training programs and management luncheons. Tracy’s true love of event coordination stems from the intricate time and detail that she puts into planning various types of occasions for her toughest customers, friends and family. These events have ranged from bridal showers to weddings and baby showers to birthdays. The happiness she witnesses through hard work for loved ones has only deepened her desire to see other clients satisfied at their own event. Her love for planning led her to enroll in the Certified Wedding and Event Planning Course at Wagner College.

Since attaining CWEP certification, Tracy has assisted in a variety of wedding activities; from ceremony rehearsal to full day coordination. She is extremely helpful, allowing each couple to experience a stress free day with the ability to fully enjoy and cherish each moment; from greeting the Bride and Groom first thing in the morning at their homes to finishing up that last dance at the after party. In addition to being detail oriented, she has a genuine understanding of the emotions surrounding a wedding which helps her to be extremely supportive and patient. She is the type of person who will plan your event as if it were one of her own. Her drive for perfection has helped her career grow rapidly. Tracy looks forward to continuing a future in wedding planning.

“Every love story is beautiful. The fact that I am able to participate in the beginning of a couple’s life together only ignites the passion I have, helping to make each wedding unforgettable.”

Christine Chong

Christine Chong was born and raised in New York City. In her early twenties, Christine realized her dream of planning and coordinating special events while standing by her friend’s side as her Bridesmaid. During the Engagement process, Christine became the Project Manager, Planner, Designer and Coordinator that felt like Home. Christine completed her CWEP (Certified Wedding and Event Planning) at Wagner College in the Spring of 2014 and with hands of gold, and our most talented seamstress, Christine evolved into the fabulous Planner she is today.

“While I am still fairly new to the event planning world, I feel like I have found where I belong. I love the creativity and effort that goes into helping someone’s dream event come to life. Every aspect is a learning experience and I could not be more appreciative of each opportunity I have had since joining the Lavish Occasions family.”